For those who might see this, ever, please follow me here for the next few months.
sabrinalovesspain@blogspot.com
<3
Friday, July 15, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Stepping Up
Well, here goes.
I'm not even sure where to start. Maybe I should begin with an update. After all, I reread my writings from the beginning of this blog and realized that I have come a long way since I started, and since I took a pretty heavy break.
DISCOVERIES
In the spring of 2009, I broke off a dating relationship and was laid off from my graphic design job. While some people might find sadness in the timing and severity of these events, I was honestly very excited about the freedom that I had been given. Newly single and "between jobs", I was able to seek what I wanted to become involved with. I knew that my journey was going to take me deeper into my Catholic faith and allow me to rediscover my passion of dancing in a studio and on stage.
At this time I was heavily involved with a swing dancing organization and had made many friends from many meetings and social dances. One friend in particular found out that I was Catholic and invited me to a Theology on Tap. (At this time I was just attending mass at St. Albert) He joked that he always brings Catholics to come swing dance, and for one he was turning the tables! My first TOT was March 2009 where I was able to meet a few new people. Another new friend told me about 40 Days for Life and the Catholic 20somethings and how incredible both activities were. Since I had time to spare, I started praying at the abortion clinics on Fridays; relearned the rosary, and learned more about the Prolife movement in Austin. As a cradle Catholic, I always loved my faith and have always detested abortion -- it was the only thing that I would vote against. However, I didn't know that I could actually DO something about it.
As my faith grew over the 40 days, my friends grew too. I joined the 20somethings that month and met some of the best people I have ever known who have taught me so much.
I'm not even sure where to start. Maybe I should begin with an update. After all, I reread my writings from the beginning of this blog and realized that I have come a long way since I started, and since I took a pretty heavy break.
DISCOVERIES
In the spring of 2009, I broke off a dating relationship and was laid off from my graphic design job. While some people might find sadness in the timing and severity of these events, I was honestly very excited about the freedom that I had been given. Newly single and "between jobs", I was able to seek what I wanted to become involved with. I knew that my journey was going to take me deeper into my Catholic faith and allow me to rediscover my passion of dancing in a studio and on stage.
At this time I was heavily involved with a swing dancing organization and had made many friends from many meetings and social dances. One friend in particular found out that I was Catholic and invited me to a Theology on Tap. (At this time I was just attending mass at St. Albert) He joked that he always brings Catholics to come swing dance, and for one he was turning the tables! My first TOT was March 2009 where I was able to meet a few new people. Another new friend told me about 40 Days for Life and the Catholic 20somethings and how incredible both activities were. Since I had time to spare, I started praying at the abortion clinics on Fridays; relearned the rosary, and learned more about the Prolife movement in Austin. As a cradle Catholic, I always loved my faith and have always detested abortion -- it was the only thing that I would vote against. However, I didn't know that I could actually DO something about it.
As my faith grew over the 40 days, my friends grew too. I joined the 20somethings that month and met some of the best people I have ever known who have taught me so much.
In making additional connections in the Catholic circles, a third player in God's plan told me that I should consider meeting people at Majella Society (now Heroic Media) to see if I could get some graphic design freelance opportunities. After meeting a few ladies there, I had a small contract project and began to volunteer there too. Within a month or so, they decided to offer me a temp job as a development assistant. It was difficult to take at first since it wasn't a graphic design job, but I figured for 4 months, it wouldn't be a problem. While working there, I was able to dive deep into the movement when I started doing research on history, statistics and true stories of the horrors of abortion. Thanks to the grace of God, they were able to hire me permanently as the Executive Assistant to the CEO where I have been for over a year. Everyday I go to work knowing that I am helping women connect to life-affirming resource centers through the media we place nationwide. We hope that our media will not only help those women in need, but change our society to be a Culture of Life.
I am ever thankful that God lead me by the hand through that year to what now defines my life. Finding a great group of people to hold me accountable and love me was one of the best things God could give me. Finding a way to be actively prolife was a bonus, and even more special since it is my profession. Meanwhile, I was able to learn more about the Catholic Church, work on my relationship with God and the sacraments, and all with the help of my friends. It's amazing how much better a person I am today, and so full of pure love and joy. It truly is a blessing.
DANCE
So, meanwhile during all of this transition, with my free time I was able to begin taking community dance classes at Ballet Austin's Butler Community School. I took some ballet, and Broadway Jazz. I immediately fell in love, and was able to attend the Broadway in May show in 2009. After seeing that show, I wiped away a few tears and said to myself, "You are going to do that!" I have always loved musicals and Broadway shows, but never really had an opportunity to pursue it. Since J and I broke up, I was done with ballroom, and figured I could start again at the Barre.
I spent any extra money I had on classes and met a few nice people. When it came time to register for the Christmas Musical Theatre workshop in July, I was pretty broke and still unemployed. One of the mothers of a dancer there convinced me to do the show and I am still grateful to this day. She told me that I would have a lot of fun, learn a lot and meet many great people, plus who knows? Maybe someone who could lead me to a job! So I signed up.
Well, as you already know, about this time I was volunteering at Heroic Media and got hired about 2 weeks after I signed up for the workshop. Praise God! (He's got the best timing). I did "Holiday Road" and got to be in the chorus and play crazy Aunt Sophie. I met some incredible people and began to build on my dance family.
Now, everyone who takes at BA has a story, a reason, and a burning passion for dance. It is amazing to have met such a dynamic, eccentric group of people of all ages, levels and types. I continued to dance and did "100 Years of Broadway in May" (and played a nutcase non-floozy Miss Hannigan among about 25+dances and songs) and "Magic in Manhattan" playing a hip hop dancer, a bunch of chorus roles, and the infamous snobby Aunt Betty.
We're getting geared up again for this May's show, "Broadway Today!" where we will feature shows that are currently (or very recently closed) on Broadway. I am PUMPED. I will have to update on the shows that I saw this past September in NYC, and my other travels later.
More to come on my Dance goals for 2011, some information on Broadway shows, recent Design in my life (that's not from graphic art!) and additional Discoveries in life.
fbt&l <3
freedom, beauty, truth and love
DANCE
So, meanwhile during all of this transition, with my free time I was able to begin taking community dance classes at Ballet Austin's Butler Community School. I took some ballet, and Broadway Jazz. I immediately fell in love, and was able to attend the Broadway in May show in 2009. After seeing that show, I wiped away a few tears and said to myself, "You are going to do that!" I have always loved musicals and Broadway shows, but never really had an opportunity to pursue it. Since J and I broke up, I was done with ballroom, and figured I could start again at the Barre.
I spent any extra money I had on classes and met a few nice people. When it came time to register for the Christmas Musical Theatre workshop in July, I was pretty broke and still unemployed. One of the mothers of a dancer there convinced me to do the show and I am still grateful to this day. She told me that I would have a lot of fun, learn a lot and meet many great people, plus who knows? Maybe someone who could lead me to a job! So I signed up.
Well, as you already know, about this time I was volunteering at Heroic Media and got hired about 2 weeks after I signed up for the workshop. Praise God! (He's got the best timing). I did "Holiday Road" and got to be in the chorus and play crazy Aunt Sophie. I met some incredible people and began to build on my dance family.
Now, everyone who takes at BA has a story, a reason, and a burning passion for dance. It is amazing to have met such a dynamic, eccentric group of people of all ages, levels and types. I continued to dance and did "100 Years of Broadway in May" (and played a nutcase non-floozy Miss Hannigan among about 25+dances and songs) and "Magic in Manhattan" playing a hip hop dancer, a bunch of chorus roles, and the infamous snobby Aunt Betty.
We're getting geared up again for this May's show, "Broadway Today!" where we will feature shows that are currently (or very recently closed) on Broadway. I am PUMPED. I will have to update on the shows that I saw this past September in NYC, and my other travels later.
More to come on my Dance goals for 2011, some information on Broadway shows, recent Design in my life (that's not from graphic art!) and additional Discoveries in life.
fbt&l <3
freedom, beauty, truth and love
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
FRESH START
Hey people!
I am going to be paying a bit more attention to this blog in the new year. Watch out, here I come!
<3
I am going to be paying a bit more attention to this blog in the new year. Watch out, here I come!
<3
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Update
Wow! Talk about forever. I'll start doing 10 new things; I think that makes it easier.
1. I am single, and very happy to be able to do whatever I want to do.
2. I got laid off 4/20 and am also happy for a new opportunity. No worries here.
3. I have met a TON of new people, including a great group of people from Church.
4. I get to take Lindy Hop lessons and get to gain marketing experience.
5. I am planning a trip to Greece for 2010, if I can save the money without a job.
6. I am the Small Talks Chair for AIGA Austin.
7. I have tickets to Rent, Mamma Mia, Fiddler on the Roof and Wicked.
8. I am going to Disney World in July.
9. I take Broadway Jazz at Ballet Austin and LOVE it.
10. God is good all the time.
1. I am single, and very happy to be able to do whatever I want to do.
2. I got laid off 4/20 and am also happy for a new opportunity. No worries here.
3. I have met a TON of new people, including a great group of people from Church.
4. I get to take Lindy Hop lessons and get to gain marketing experience.
5. I am planning a trip to Greece for 2010, if I can save the money without a job.
6. I am the Small Talks Chair for AIGA Austin.
7. I have tickets to Rent, Mamma Mia, Fiddler on the Roof and Wicked.
8. I am going to Disney World in July.
9. I take Broadway Jazz at Ballet Austin and LOVE it.
10. God is good all the time.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Winter Update
Wow! It has been a while!
DESIGN
I have plans to go to an awesome design conference in April that is put on by AIGA Austin called Design Ranch. It is in its 8th year, and I am going as a real camper this time (not a volunteer!) Should be a very good experience for me to get out and get back into art and design conceptually, since I don't get to at work often enough. Good friends will be there too, and I am looking forward to a very good time. No Portfolio Center people! (hopefully)
Next year I am going to helping out AIGA Austin by assisting in organizing the Small Talks. It should be fun to help set up small talks every other month for designers to gather and talk about everything and anything related to design. Being involved is great.
I am turning my SaBook into a blog! Stay tuned for a link, and updates! Let's make it famous!
DANCE
I have sadly been taking a break from ballroom performance. (sad!) I really miss it, but the time and money and situations were too much to bear. J and I still dance socially sometimes, but we need to get back into something. Either country western, or west coast swing and lindy hop.
I am still the publicity coordinator, and recently was elected the Secretary of the Austin Swing Syndicate. I am in charge of all publicity for all dances and events for the entire year, so I get to have a good time designing posters and fliers and talking to people. I also get into the dances free! If you are interested in swing dancing and you live in Austin, you should come out on Thursday nights!
I am going to use some Christmas money on a dance card to take community dance classes at Ballet Austin. Broadyway jazz, Modern, and Tap, here I come! I can hardly wait. I miss dancing a lot, and when you do it like a dork in your room, it is just not the same. (but still fun!)
DISCOVERIES
While I doubt anyone reads this much, I am excited to update my collection of Broadway shows (see albums) and am in LOVE with In the Heights, and anything by Jason Robert Brown. It is a lovely time to be Sabrina's iPod, if you love soundtracks of course.
J and got our shows figured out. I know I am crazy for this, but we are going to a lot of shows. Check it out!
January | Spring Awakening, Jesus Christ Superstar
February | Legally Blonde, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
March | Spamalot
May | Rent, Fiddler on the Roof, (possibly Mamma Mia!)
June | Wicked
This is in addition to a couple of local shows (Tick Tick, Boom!, Anything Goes, and Texas State's Spring Musical review). We got to see Tuna Does Vegas, and Avenue Q in San Antonio this fall, plus local versions of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Company, and the Last Five Years. I got to see a version of Sweeney Todd with a friend as well. Woo-hoo!
I am very excited about this season. (can't you tell?)
I am also busy reading a TON! Of course, I love Twilight, anything by Phillipa Gregory, and a sequel, World Without End by Ken Follett. (The Pillars of the Earth=incredible). I also got a gorgeous book about the Wicked musical. It's like a design book, plus it's about Wicked, and just incredible. The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a must, and various other novels that I have stacked up.
My birthday was great. Christmas was super. I am lucky to have such a wonderful family, an incredible boyfriend, hilarious friends, and great co-workers. There is little to complain about, and whenever that is the case, why bother complaining? The economy is not killing me too much right now (that I know of) and politics will be politics. I love the weather, my allergies are tolerable, and my car, Juliet, is running beautifully. Hooray God and my lovely church, and the strong faith that I renew weekly. I love the gym, and will be loving it a lot these next few weeks. I miss talking with friends, and wish I had more pen pals from out of state.
Until next time, everyone take care, and say hello!
DESIGN
I have plans to go to an awesome design conference in April that is put on by AIGA Austin called Design Ranch. It is in its 8th year, and I am going as a real camper this time (not a volunteer!) Should be a very good experience for me to get out and get back into art and design conceptually, since I don't get to at work often enough. Good friends will be there too, and I am looking forward to a very good time. No Portfolio Center people! (hopefully)
Next year I am going to helping out AIGA Austin by assisting in organizing the Small Talks. It should be fun to help set up small talks every other month for designers to gather and talk about everything and anything related to design. Being involved is great.
I am turning my SaBook into a blog! Stay tuned for a link, and updates! Let's make it famous!
DANCE
I have sadly been taking a break from ballroom performance. (sad!) I really miss it, but the time and money and situations were too much to bear. J and I still dance socially sometimes, but we need to get back into something. Either country western, or west coast swing and lindy hop.
I am still the publicity coordinator, and recently was elected the Secretary of the Austin Swing Syndicate. I am in charge of all publicity for all dances and events for the entire year, so I get to have a good time designing posters and fliers and talking to people. I also get into the dances free! If you are interested in swing dancing and you live in Austin, you should come out on Thursday nights!
I am going to use some Christmas money on a dance card to take community dance classes at Ballet Austin. Broadyway jazz, Modern, and Tap, here I come! I can hardly wait. I miss dancing a lot, and when you do it like a dork in your room, it is just not the same. (but still fun!)
DISCOVERIES
While I doubt anyone reads this much, I am excited to update my collection of Broadway shows (see albums) and am in LOVE with In the Heights, and anything by Jason Robert Brown. It is a lovely time to be Sabrina's iPod, if you love soundtracks of course.
J and got our shows figured out. I know I am crazy for this, but we are going to a lot of shows. Check it out!
January | Spring Awakening, Jesus Christ Superstar
February | Legally Blonde, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
March | Spamalot
May | Rent, Fiddler on the Roof, (possibly Mamma Mia!)
June | Wicked
This is in addition to a couple of local shows (Tick Tick, Boom!, Anything Goes, and Texas State's Spring Musical review). We got to see Tuna Does Vegas, and Avenue Q in San Antonio this fall, plus local versions of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Company, and the Last Five Years. I got to see a version of Sweeney Todd with a friend as well. Woo-hoo!
I am very excited about this season. (can't you tell?)
I am also busy reading a TON! Of course, I love Twilight, anything by Phillipa Gregory, and a sequel, World Without End by Ken Follett. (The Pillars of the Earth=incredible). I also got a gorgeous book about the Wicked musical. It's like a design book, plus it's about Wicked, and just incredible. The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a must, and various other novels that I have stacked up.
My birthday was great. Christmas was super. I am lucky to have such a wonderful family, an incredible boyfriend, hilarious friends, and great co-workers. There is little to complain about, and whenever that is the case, why bother complaining? The economy is not killing me too much right now (that I know of) and politics will be politics. I love the weather, my allergies are tolerable, and my car, Juliet, is running beautifully. Hooray God and my lovely church, and the strong faith that I renew weekly. I love the gym, and will be loving it a lot these next few weeks. I miss talking with friends, and wish I had more pen pals from out of state.
Until next time, everyone take care, and say hello!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
New Home and New Pictures
Hello world!
I sold my house! Hooray!
I am moving to Austin! Hip Hooray!
I get a new bed! Hip Hip Hooray!
I am very excited. As you might know, I have been trying to move to Austin for at least a year, and I finally am able to afford it, (I hope) and it's right by the Arboretum. I might think about getting a second job around there, but who knows. I kinda like having my free time.
I also got some super dance pictures back from my May show. A lot of people didn't get to see the show, so hopefully they'll take a look. Here is my favorite one. I have never had such a good picture captured. I have more of them on my facebook page if you are interested.
Guess what? Austin's Bass Hall is going to back in session after a renovation, and bringing back broadway shows. Their season includes Legally Blonde, Rent, Wicket, Avenue Q, and Spamalot. I might have to reevaluate my San Antonio shows and exchange and add some shows on. Woo-hoo! I am glad to be able to see Rent again, since I won't get a chance to see it in NYC before it closes. Sadness. Oh, I can't wait until October to start the season. I am a dork.
Hello to my friends far and wide...if you happen to be still reading this...
Love!
*
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Welcome Back Sabrina!
Hi Blog.
*hangs head*
I know it's been forever (over 6 months) and I have been meaning to write in here, but I just have so much I could say, I forget, and don't want to have a lame entry, but I guess I just have to stick it out and go bleh!
I could go back and go over all the awesome things I have been blessed with lately, but I'll just give you the highlights about the main 3 things:
DESIGN:
We got a new office! (the marketing/design team) Well, we moved into the back warehouse, so it's pretty cool. We got lighting put in, desks and furniture from IKEA, and enough magazines to fill an entire wall. I'll try to get a picture of my desk up soon. Complete with our huge bulletin boards (and the garage style door that I use with magnets as a huge refrigerator door), our own conference table and photography light table, the space is most awesome. I really like my job, and can't wait to see what else I can teach myself. I am thankful for my San Fran friends who I still connect with via gmail and postcard land. I miss AIGA, but as long as I have my resources and friends/connections, I think I'll be good. I hope to try and get my own portfolio website up someday, and get my book online so people can read it and check it out!
DANCE:
I just finished up a semester of ballroom and 4 dances. Holy Poo! I am taking a break this summer and sticking with social swing and country western. I tried contra dancing a couple weeks ago and had a good time! I miss doing my ballet, jazz and modern, but I am saving my money to move to Austin, so it's mainly social, and pretty rare. I am still doing a bunch with the Austin Swing Syndicate, doing all of their marketing and subbing on the board, and now the PR coordinator for the Austin Lindy Exchange 9. That is a huge nation wide event where people literally dance all weekend! It should be fun, and I enjoy doing all the fliers and posters for all the fun events. I hope to get back on the performance team in the fall for ballroom, because I definitely miss it.
J (bf) and I got season tickets for Broadway Across America this year, and we are going to see Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Wicked, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Tuna Does Vegas & Spring Awakening. I might also get tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar, which would be rad. I am so excited! We got to see Phantom of the Opera in March, and The Wedding Singer in May. (Both were terrific!) I can't wait to see the Tony's this weekend because The Lion King and RENT are performing. RENT is closing on Broadway, which saddens me because I really wanted to see it in NYC, but that's okay. I saw it last season in SA, and that was a great show.
DISCOVERIES:
These are going to be more like developments today. I am looking for a condo in Austin soon, once my house is sold. I have already dreamed about color schemes for my rooms, and where I am going to arrange everything. Shock to some: my bedroom will be aqua blue, black and white. Yup. I am leaving the Red and Black for the kitchen and dining room, and adding a nice deep teal. I am hoping this happens soon!
I have never been in a time where so much depends on fate. It's odd to think how after college, we get to a place where you can't plan much anymore. As an avid planner, this drives me nuts. When in college, you know you have classes to register for, books to get that are on a list for you, and a fatty buffet to feed you. Once you're out, you could have a job for 2 weeks and be forced to move to Japan. You could meet a wonderful person and want to settle down. You could also lose the person you thought was "the one" and start all over. You might just barely have enough of your paycheck left to pay for that 6th wedding gift of the year. All your friends are moving away and it's hard to keep touch. Could you imagine how it was before email, chat rooms and blogs? Our parents are going through changes, getting older, starting second careers, moving to other states. The gas prices are going nuts, so now we're thinking more about what we need and not about what we want. Sounds like another Depression to me. Yikes. These are the times that we have to just hope for the best and know that the good hand will be dealt soon. Kinda makes you think. This must be the real world.
Anyways, it was good to see you Blog and friends. I hope you're happy, Cade!
*
*hangs head*
I know it's been forever (over 6 months) and I have been meaning to write in here, but I just have so much I could say, I forget, and don't want to have a lame entry, but I guess I just have to stick it out and go bleh!
I could go back and go over all the awesome things I have been blessed with lately, but I'll just give you the highlights about the main 3 things:
DESIGN:
We got a new office! (the marketing/design team) Well, we moved into the back warehouse, so it's pretty cool. We got lighting put in, desks and furniture from IKEA, and enough magazines to fill an entire wall. I'll try to get a picture of my desk up soon. Complete with our huge bulletin boards (and the garage style door that I use with magnets as a huge refrigerator door), our own conference table and photography light table, the space is most awesome. I really like my job, and can't wait to see what else I can teach myself. I am thankful for my San Fran friends who I still connect with via gmail and postcard land. I miss AIGA, but as long as I have my resources and friends/connections, I think I'll be good. I hope to try and get my own portfolio website up someday, and get my book online so people can read it and check it out!
DANCE:
I just finished up a semester of ballroom and 4 dances. Holy Poo! I am taking a break this summer and sticking with social swing and country western. I tried contra dancing a couple weeks ago and had a good time! I miss doing my ballet, jazz and modern, but I am saving my money to move to Austin, so it's mainly social, and pretty rare. I am still doing a bunch with the Austin Swing Syndicate, doing all of their marketing and subbing on the board, and now the PR coordinator for the Austin Lindy Exchange 9. That is a huge nation wide event where people literally dance all weekend! It should be fun, and I enjoy doing all the fliers and posters for all the fun events. I hope to get back on the performance team in the fall for ballroom, because I definitely miss it.
J (bf) and I got season tickets for Broadway Across America this year, and we are going to see Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Wicked, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Tuna Does Vegas & Spring Awakening. I might also get tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar, which would be rad. I am so excited! We got to see Phantom of the Opera in March, and The Wedding Singer in May. (Both were terrific!) I can't wait to see the Tony's this weekend because The Lion King and RENT are performing. RENT is closing on Broadway, which saddens me because I really wanted to see it in NYC, but that's okay. I saw it last season in SA, and that was a great show.
DISCOVERIES:
These are going to be more like developments today. I am looking for a condo in Austin soon, once my house is sold. I have already dreamed about color schemes for my rooms, and where I am going to arrange everything. Shock to some: my bedroom will be aqua blue, black and white. Yup. I am leaving the Red and Black for the kitchen and dining room, and adding a nice deep teal. I am hoping this happens soon!
I have never been in a time where so much depends on fate. It's odd to think how after college, we get to a place where you can't plan much anymore. As an avid planner, this drives me nuts. When in college, you know you have classes to register for, books to get that are on a list for you, and a fatty buffet to feed you. Once you're out, you could have a job for 2 weeks and be forced to move to Japan. You could meet a wonderful person and want to settle down. You could also lose the person you thought was "the one" and start all over. You might just barely have enough of your paycheck left to pay for that 6th wedding gift of the year. All your friends are moving away and it's hard to keep touch. Could you imagine how it was before email, chat rooms and blogs? Our parents are going through changes, getting older, starting second careers, moving to other states. The gas prices are going nuts, so now we're thinking more about what we need and not about what we want. Sounds like another Depression to me. Yikes. These are the times that we have to just hope for the best and know that the good hand will be dealt soon. Kinda makes you think. This must be the real world.
Anyways, it was good to see you Blog and friends. I hope you're happy, Cade!
*
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